Plaids are no strangers to the A/W season. It’s one of our favourites given the traditional deep autumnal tones the pattern takes, including rich maroons and canary yellows. What makes it different this year however, is how it takes an unfamiliar step away the usual print. Usually, we see the red and black print on lounge wear and casual outfit look books. Now however, it’s set to climb aboard the “I’m a woman, hear me roar” ship.
Brands like Versace and Moschino (just to name a few) are giving the classic a feisty and rock-n-roll spin that brings out the lioness within.
Take a cue from the A/W’18 runways and mix up your tartan with contrasting yet office-friendly elements: Leather pairings, PVC boots, gold jewellery or appliques and most definitely a black winged eyeliner.
ALSO READ: FROM STAPLES TO STYLING, HERE’S YOUR HANDY GO-TO FASHION GUIDE
Also from Alexandre Vauthier is this stunner of a dress. Woven with a concealed zip fastening at the side, this dress makes its way into our list (and hopefully our closets) thanks to myriad of trendsetters. The boxy shoulders emphasise the confident woman you are, the gold-toned brooch at the front and of course, the season’s fave tartan print. We love how the fabric falls and flows along your waist, giving the illusion of a narrower body and really, who doesn’t want that?
Wear yours with a black cami underneath in the office, and go sans-cami when you’re about to head out for that hot date. Pair it with fiery red or black heels. A gold chain like this one from Laura Lombardi, will make you look even more chic and feisty.
V-neck midi dress, $2200, Alexandre Vauthier.
ALSO READ: FROM STAPLES TO STYLING, HERE’S YOUR HANDY GO-TO FASHION GUIDE
Donning smaller tartan prints, this Paper London pants emphasizes a narrow waist with the help of its tie at the front. It also helps to offset the sharp, sleek cutting of the wide-leg pants.
You could wear yours with the matching top, which adds even more sophistication. However for a more office-friendly approach, wear a crisp white or black blouse. Finish it off with of course, textured boots in a brown shade – or fiery red if you’re feeling bold. If you do opt for red, be sure to pair it with a matching red handbag.
Wide leg pants, US$262 (S$357), Paper London.
ALSO READ: CHECK THESE OUT: WORK THE S/S ’18 CHECKED TREND INTO YOUR CURRENT CLOSET
We love these trousers which bring a bright, sunny appeal to your wardrobe. The trousers, lightweight and crafted of a poly blend, would go perfectly with a chunky belt black (which is also in trend btw) and black PVC heels or ankle boots. Mix it up and wear a ribbed black top, just as seen here, and a bright red handbag to finish off your #girlboss look.
A matching blazer is also available if you’d like a whole suit.
Carrot fit trousers, $45.90, available at Stradivarius stores.
ALSO READ: CHECK THESE OUT: WORK THE S/S ’18 CHECKED TREND INTO YOUR CURRENT CLOSET
The fashion mainstay brings Alexandre Vauthier’s pants to life with a kick and a punch. They’re completely made of wool – perfect for keeping you warm during these colder months and staying crease-free during the hotter days. We love that this pair has a mid rise and falls to a (very modern) cropped length. Most of all, we absolutely adore the lush velvet waistband that makes the pants stylish and sophisticated.
Pair yours with a simple white or black turtleneck tucked in to highlight the velvet texture. Take advantage of the cropped hem’s elongating effect and wear strappy heels. For more of a youthful, punk-rock feel, wear Dr. Martens! Last but not least, carry a textured handbag with a gold chain, like this one from Fendi.
Tartan wool pants, $1459, Alexandre Vauthier.
ALSO READ: CHECK THESE OUT: WORK THE S/S ’18 CHECKED TREND INTO YOUR CURRENT CLOSET
It takes a turn from the usual bright red hue seen on tartan prints and opts for a softer, pink one. However thanks to the jacket’s boxy shoulders, you’ll still be the fierce (but kind) gal you need to be.
To be even more dressy, pair the jacket with the matching mini-skirt – only if the office allows it. Otherwise, it’ll look gorgeous when worn with pink or black tailored pants and a chunky black leather belt. Go easy and wear a crisp white shirt on the inside, and chunky gold (or silver) hoops.
Pink tartan jacket, $136, Topshop.
ALSO READ: CHECK THESE OUT: WORK THE S/S ’18 CHECKED TREND INTO YOUR CURRENT CLOSET
Dainty and sweet on one hand, but style it with a glamorous leather jacket and ankle boots, and you’re on the road to rock-chic. Since this cotton-poly blend skirt features earthy hues, go for deep brown additions.
Midi tartan pencil skirt, $44, Pomelo Fashion.
ALSO READ: FROM STAPLES TO STYLING, HERE’S YOUR HANDY GO-TO FASHION GUIDE
Perfect for the season’s colder and rainier days, this burgundy dress has an A-line silhouette and a tie at the waist to flatter your figure. The cut at the front turns it from a dreary dress to a chic and subtly sexy outfit – which we love! Pair it with sky-high burgundy heeled boots and roll the sleeves up for a glam-rock ensemble.
Long tartan dress, $99.90, ZARA.
ALSO READ: CHECK THESE OUT: WORK THE S/S ’18 CHECKED TREND INTO YOUR CURRENT CLOSET
Straight up, an essential piece for your wardrobe. Crafted from a soft ribbed knit, this sweater has a relaxed fit with banded cuffs, neckline and hemline. Wear yours tucked in a black leather midi skirt (pleated please!) and with black or brown heels, or boots.
Crew neck sweater, US$59 (S$81), Urban Outfitters.
ALSO READ: FROM STAPLES TO STYLING, HERE’S YOUR HANDY GO-TO FASHION GUIDE
With a ruffled neck, the true blue tartan print and a belted waist, this dress hits all the ‘trending’ boxes in the best way possible. It steers away from being classified a traditional, ‘grandma piece’ by giving it a modern asymmetric cut.
For a truly trendy ensemble, switch out the dainty belt for a chunky one – oversized waist belts are a massive trend for fall too.
ALSO READ: FROM STAPLES TO STYLING, HERE’S YOUR HANDY GO-TO FASHION GUIDE
This easy breezy flowy blouse features long buttoned sleeves to give a little oversized effect. Wear yours with black leather bottoms, stilettos and gold stud earrings.
Tartan blouse, $59.90 ($29.90 online), MANGO.
ALSO READ: CHECK THESE OUT: WORK THE S/S ’18 CHECKED TREND INTO YOUR CURRENT CLOSET